Experts told CNBC-TV18 that President Trump’s broad threat to “permanently pause migration from all third world countries” has generated confusion rather than clarity, leaving governments, businesses and visa applicants uncertain whether the remarks signal an imminent policy change or a political gesture. While the administration has already paused immigration processing for Afghan nationals and ordered a review of green cards from “countries of concern,” former diplomat KC Singh and immigration consultant Naveen Chopra said most capitals will likely wait for formal guidance before reacting.
Trump’s announcement — made shortly after confirming that a National Guard member shot in Washington D.C. had died — was seen by Singh as aimed more at domestic political audiences than at solving immigration problems. “Trump has stepped on the gas because his own ratings are down, his popularity is down,” Singh told CNBC-TV18, saying the president chose immigration because he scores well on the issue with his base.
The comments followed reports that the suspected shooter was an Afghan national who had assisted US intelligence and had been granted asylum during the Biden administration. That prompted US authorities to halt Afghan processing and to re-examine vetting procedures. Instructions are pending at US missions worldwide on whether immigration or visa processes will change.
Singh said the case used to justify the proposed freeze is misleading: the Afghan accused of the shooting had worked with US agencies and, Singh argued, would likely face danger if returned to Afghanistan. He described the president’s response as driven by political motives rather than practical policymaking. Singh also noted that US job growth has stagnated despite reduced immigration, undercutting claims that restricting migrants would boost American employment. He pointed out that Trump has defended skilled-worker visas in the past, acknowledging the need for qualified talent to support the economy.
On international reactions, Singh suggested most governments will avoid immediate confrontation, having grown used to the volatility of Trump’s statements. “You don’t react immediately. This is Trump. He will just come out waving a sword around… just wait and see when he gets tired and sits down,” he said, adding that countries are watching the US political calendar and expect possible changes after upcoming elections.
Naveen Chopra, chairman of N & N Chopra Consultants, noted that visa slowdowns have been observed recently but that the broader attraction of the US remains intact. “I would not call it a loss of interest; I would call it a slowing down due to apprehension about what is to come,” he said, adding that “the American Dream is still the big one.”
Chopra said Trump’s rhetoric often targets a specific voter base and can inflame racial or economic resentments. He pointed to the rising success of Asian professionals — particularly Indians and Chinese — in the US economy as a factor that may be stoking resentment among some of Trump’s supporters.
For now, visa services are largely operating as usual while American missions await formal instructions. Uncertainty remains over whether the administration will pursue broad migration restrictions or narrow measures aimed at particular countries.
Watch accompanying video for the full discussion.
